PENSACOLA – A group of Florida consumers is suing a car manufacturer over claims it made illegal profits in excess of an estimated $33 billion over the use of a defeat device in its diesel-powered automobiles.
Sheila Shearlock, Krishnamurthy Nadella, Dolores Marchigiano, Matthew Kudriaszow and Ida Blotcky filed a class-action lawsuit on Feb. 19, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division against Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen AG and Robert Bosch GMBH, citing alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment and breach of implied warranty.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they purchased a new vehicle equipped with an emissions control "defeat device" from Volkswagen. The plaintiffs hold Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen AG and Robert Bosch GMBH responsible because the defendants allegedly manufactured automobiles with the device despite of the environmental laws in place in order for the vehicles to pass emissions tests.
The plaintiffs seek the following: injunctive and equitable relief, damages attorneys' fees and costs. They are represented by Samuel W. Bearman of the Law Office of Samuel W. Bearman LC in Pensacola, John P. Kuder of Sellers Skievaski Kuder LLP in Pensacola and Artice L. McGraw of Artice McGraw PA in Pensacola.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division Case number 3:16-cv-01215-CRB